Hannig spreading the wealth to other candidates

Friday

Oct 31, 2008 at 12:01 AMOct 31, 2008 at 4:26 AM

One central Illinois candidate continues to collect big bucks for his campaign, despite already holding a substantial fundraising lead over his opponent.

One central Illinois candidate continues to collect big bucks for his campaign, despite already holding a substantial fundraising lead over his opponent.
In disclosures to the state Board of Elections, Rep. Gary Hannig, D-Litchfield, reported bringing in at least $21,250 since Oct. 20. Candidates must only report contributions of $500 or more in the days leading up to Tuesday’s election.
Those contributions include $8,000 from Reynolds American, $2,500 from the Realtors, $2,000 from the state’s dentists and $2,000 from downstate Democrats. Hannig already had more than $260,000 in his campaign account before the latest contributions.
His opponent, Jim Curry of Carlinville, has yet to file a campaign financial disclosure report. Candidates are not required to submit a report until they have raised at least $3,000.
Hannig is not keeping all of the money for himself. Over the past two weeks, he gave $10,000 to the state Democratic Party, which is chaired by his leader, House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago. Hannig also donated $5,000 to the re-election campaign of Rep. Paul Froelich, D-Schaumburg, and $4,000 to the bid of Democrat Jehan Gordon of Peoria, who is trying to replace congressional candidate Aaron Schock in the House.
“You want to be able to help push somebody over the finish line,” Hannig said. “You focus resources on races that are still in play.”
Hannig said he doesn’t need the money for his own campaign because “it’s more apparent, maybe, my opponent wasn’t so serious.” He said he may be donating more money to other candidates who need some last-minute campaign cash.
Democrat Kent DeLay of Springfield, who is running against Rep. Raymond Poe, R-Springfield, donated $3,000 of his own money to his campaign last week. DeLay reported only $415 in donations since July 1.
DeLay said Friday the money enabled him to start airing advertisements on the radio and some TV ads on cable stations. He said he has pledges for additional money, but declined to say how much or from whom.
Poe reported no last-minute contributions, but he raised more than $37,000 between July 1 and October.

Doug Finke can be reached at (217) 788-1527.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.